Evaluation of Marker Shape and Size for Enhanced Motion Tracking in Visual Effects Production

Motion tracking is necessary in visual effects (VFX) video production to ensure seamless integration among live-action footage and computer-generated elements. This study examines how fiducial marker shape (circle, triangle, and cross) and size (0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, and 2 cm) influence motion tracking performance under controlled environments. The research measures tracking performance by analyzing the number of tracking points and confidence levels generated for each marker configuration. The results show that shape and size are essential in tracking stability and accuracy. Cross-shaped markers consistently outperformed other shapes, with the 2 cm cross marker achieving the best results, producing 299 tracking points and maintaining a high average confidence level of 97% across the video sequence. In contrast, circle markers, especially at smaller sizes, exhibited inconsistent tracking performance, with the 1.5 cm circle dropping to a final confidence level of just 15.9%. These findings show cross-shaped markers provide superior tracking stability, making them ideal for motion tracking in VFX.